FAQ
(you'd be surprised at what people ask!)Q: How many bats come with my bat house?
A: Believe it or not, this is a common question. Bats are NOT included with the purchase of a bat house.
Q: Where is the best location to install my bat house?
A: Generally, the best placement for a bat house is as high as possible (min. 12’-15’ high) and in a prime location to receive as much sunlight as possible. (8–12 hrs is best). If you install under an eave, make sure it does not cast any shade on the bat house. The idea is to get the internal temperature of the bat house as warm as possible. Pole mounts are always a good idea but require a bit more work. Pole mount bat houses can also be installed on mature trees, but extensive trimming may be required to reduce shade that can cool the bat house. Visit our Installation Ideas page for inspirational examples from satisfied customers.
Q: How do I attract bats to the bat house?
A: Try to place the bat house where it receives as much sunlight as possible (8–12 hrs is best). The warm temperature within the bat house will attract bats to stay. Depending on the location of the bat house, the de-limbing of trees may be necessary to prevent any shade falling on the bat house. Do not use any foods, fruits or vegetables in an attempt to attract bats. This does not work. The bats will come on their own when they are attracted to the extreme warmth within the bat house.
Q: How long will take to attract bats? How long before the bat house is fully occupied?
A: This varies with different locations and different species of bat. It may take 2 days, in highly (bat) populated rural areas, or could even take weeks. In suburban areas the wait could be significantly greater. Again, this varies greatly with each individual installation scenario.
Q: Other than mosquitoes, what does a bat’s diet normally consist of?
A: Bats will consume many insects including May Flies, Stone Flies, Leaf Hoppers, Caddis Flies, Midges, Lacewing, Beetles, and Codling Moths that destroy fruit orchards.
Q: I currently have bats roosting in my barn. How do I safely relocate them to the bat house?
A: Try shining a flashlight inside the area where the bats are currently roosting. Also, screening of the area where the bats climb into should discourage them and force them to find alternate accommodations that are close by. (i.e.: your bat house)
Q: It’s the end of the summer. Is it too late to put up my bathouse now?
A: It’s never too late to put up a bat house. In the fall you’ll have bats flying through on their way south. If they find you then, they’ll probably come back again in the spring. In the spring you’ll have bats flying through on their way north, looking for summer homes. If you put it up the first spare moment you have you’ll start attracting bats right away!
Q: Do I need to take my bat house down during the winter?
A: No, these units are maintenance-free. They’ll tolerate the weather and be ready come spring to be inhabited!